Biden Eases Green Card Eligibility For Indians

The Biden administration has relaxed green card qualifying requirements for US workers and residents. The move comes days before Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s June 21-24 visit to the US, when President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden will welcome him for a state banquet and a speech to Congress.

USCIS provided advice on eligibility for initial and renewal Employment Authorization Document (EAD) applications in compelling circumstances. Many Indian IT experts have been waiting for Green Cards or permanent residency.

Under present immigration legislation, 140,000 employment-based green cards are given yearly, with just 7% going to one nation. The USCIS guidance requires applicants to be the principal beneficiary of an approved Form I-140, have valid non-immigrant status or authorized grace period, not have filed an adjustment of status application, and meet biometrics and criminal background requirements.

USCIS will decide whether compelling circumstances warrant employment permission. These safeguards let people in difficult situations operate legally in the US. Ajay Bhutoria, an immigrant rights advocate, emphasizes the necessity of these measures for persons and their dependents experiencing major sickness, incapacity, workplace conflicts or retribution, significant injury, or employment interruptions.

The USCIS’s non-exhaustive list of qualifying conditions lets applicants provide proof. To establish compelling circumstances, people with granted immigrant visa applications in oversubscribed categories or changeability zones may provide school or higher education enrollment records, mortgage records, or long-term leasing data.

This option is vital for families experiencing home loss, school withdrawal, or job loss and returning home. The Foundation of India and Indian Diaspora Studies (FIIDS), which promotes laid-off H1-B employees, praised USCIS for the move, which will help many Indian IT professionals. Khanderao Kand from FIIDS said USCIS made the change after prolonged campaigning.